idealist.org

First Star was founded in 1999 as a national 501(c) 3 non-profit public charity dedicated to improving life for child victims of abuse and neglect. First Star’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform of the child welfare system. In 2004, 872,000 children were victims of child abuse and neglect; more than half a million children are currently in foster care.

Our nonpartisan, multidisciplinary approach fosters collaborative action among organizations, advocates, practitioners and policy-makers working to benefit all children.

First Star incorporates four programs that work toward positive outcomes for victims of abuse and neglect: Research, Education, Public Policy and Public Awareness. The objective: To make children's welfare a first priority for Americans.

First Star advocates for federal, state and local laws that improve the lives of abused and neglected children. Our policy work is guided by the First Star Policy Advisory Council, which consists of the country’s leading child welfare experts. Through the First Star Congressional Roundtable on Children we educate lawmakers about policy and legislation that is:

** Based on proven models of effective practice
** Multidisciplinary in nature
** Prevention-oriented
** Focused on the child and the family
** Culturally sensitive
**Outcomes-driven